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The Poppies are Blooming!

The California State flower is the Eschscholzia californica. Known as the California Poppy or Golden Poppy, it is springing up everywhere. Here in San Francisco, it grows in the cracks of sidewalks and roads and can be found in all the parks. It varies in color from white to dark orange.

Poppies on the steps

We were out on Sunday as the day after a storm is always beautiful. We decided to visit Bernal Hill which is very close to home. We have finally had enough rain that the hill is a stunning shade of green.

Bernal Hill with the San Francisco Bay beyond

In addition to being popular with joggers and dog walkers, the birds, bees and butterflies find it to their liking. The hill is made up mostly of chert. It shows patterns from earthquake movement over time.

Layer upon layer of chert

Growing out of the rocky slopes are poppies and other wildflowers.

Chert and poppies

Dandelion

Dandelions and grasses against a blue sky

A riot of color

Even with the patches of yellow and purple, it can’t compete with the profusion of poppies.

It’s been sunny every day since I got here. 17 days straight, and counting (ten-day forecast calls for sun every day for the next ten days). Nothing against Portland, but… I haven’t seen this much sun in years! Even getting a decent tan again, getting the tiny backyard ready for a small garden. 🙂

Very nice pics of flowers. I like the rocks less – as a repentant oil company whore of many
years long ago I try to avoid communion with rocks. I will sit on one and rest. Poppies – very nice looking , and of an orange shade that I recall as being really hard to get to focus in the same plane as other colors in my old 35mm cameras.

LOL, when i worked nights, i slept when i could. probably why my sleep now is so messed up. don’t worry and don’t apologize please. you give much pleasure by hosting this site. it’s a labor of love, don’t ever feel like you must answer everytime i post here. i know you see my posts and i know you care. that’s how friendship works right? you’re a wonderful friend!